The battery is one of the most important parts of an electric bike. It’s what allows you to ride your bike without pedaling and can make or break your experience. The battery itself is made up of many different components and chemicals, and it is these chemicals that determine how long your battery will last.
In this article, we’ll be looking at why your electric bike battery might not be lasting as long as it should and what you can do to make sure that yours lasts longer than ever before.
3 Types of electric bike batteries
There are 3 types of electric bike batteries: Lithium, Nickel, and Lead. They all have their own pros and cons, so let’s explore them!
- Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries are the most expensive to manufacture, but they tend to be lighter, more durable, long-lasting, and more powerful than other battery types. While they can be recharged over 500 times before they start to lose their capacity, these batteries are prone to overheating if not properly maintained.
- Nickel batteries
Nickel batteries can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking down or losing capacity over time. These batteries are also lightweight and durable but aren’t quite as long-lasting as lithium batteries. They’re also cheaper than lithium batteries, which might make them more affordable if money is tight!
- Lead batteries
Lead-acid batteries are the oldest type of battery used for bicycles and electric bikes because they’re extremely durable and inexpensive to produce. However, lead-acid batteries have low energy density levels which means they take longer to charge and don’t provide as much power as other battery types when fully charged–which means you won’t be able to ride as far before needing another charge!
What is the average life of an e-bike battery?
The life of an electric bike battery depends on the type of battery, how you use your bike, and how well you take care of it.
Most batteries will last for about 500 full charges before they need to be replaced. This is why it’s important to know how often you ride your bike so that you can plan ahead for when it might need a new battery.
If you ride your bike every day and don’t charge it as often as possible, then it’s likely that your battery will not last as long as one that is charged every night after each ride. However, if you only ride once in a while or don’t ride often enough to run down even a fully charged battery, then there’s no need to worry about replacing your battery any time soon.
Tips to prolong your electric bike’s battery life
There are several ways to prolong the life of your electric bike battery and ensure that you get the most out of it. Here are our top recommendations:
- Use the original charger:
The one provided by the manufacturer is designed specifically for your electric bike and has been tested to ensure it works best with your bike’s battery. If you use a different charger, you risk damaging your battery and voiding your warranty.
- Never overcharge the batteries
Leaving an electric bike plugged in when not in use can damage the battery over time, so it’s important to unplug it as soon as you’re done riding.
- Keep the battery dry
Water can seep into an electric bike’s battery compartment through small cracks or gaps in the case, so be sure to keep it clean and dry when not in use—especially if you store it outside!
- Follow the manual
Each electric bike has its own charging requirements, so be sure to follow them exactly for the best results! If you’re unsure about how to charge your bike, consult its manual or contact customer service for guidance.
- Clean the battery
Wipe down your battery after each use with a damp cloth. Dirt and dust can build up on the surface of your battery and affect its performance, so it’s important to keep it clean and free of debris.
- Don’t fully drain the battery
Don’t let your electric bike’s battery run completely dry. If you do, you might need to replace it sooner than expected. Instead, try to ride until just before the battery reaches about 20% capacity before plugging it in to charge again. This will help keep your bike running for a longer period of time without having to replace its batteries prematurely.
Final Thoughts!
Regardless of whether you’re an experienced electric bike rider or not, you’ll want an electric bike that comes with a long-lasting battery. After all, if a battery doesn’t charge properly, or doesn’t last long enough, it won’t matter what type of bike is beneath the frame. And as your electric bike needs evolve, you can easily replace your battery down the road, too.
Author bio-
Matthew Bell from Crooked Path eBikes is an engineering major with over 25 years experience in heavy industry including nuclear power, rail, oil & gas and infrastructure. Worked closely with high profile clients both domestic and abroad to ensure customer satisfaction.
